Governor Wes Moore takes a visit to Diakonia in West Ocean City
WEST OCEAN CITY, Md. – Maryland Governor Wes Moore visited Diakonia Monday, to speak with individuals struggling with housing and veterans.
The Governor is in town because of several speaking engagements, including the Maryland Municipal League Summer Conference.
Governor Moore sought further information regarding the many veterans Diakonia supports once their military careers conclude. These veterans can return facing difficulties.
“As a veteran myself, this is personal, and having people who are willing to sacrifice everything on behalf of this country, and the only thing that they ask is that they made it home.”
The mission for Diakonia is ‘Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow.’ The group is currently celebrating its approved funding from the legislative session this past winter. That number reaching $750,000. The money will go directly towards Phase 1 of House of Hope campus.
Gov. Moore is pleased with how funding this organization will change lives in Ocean City and the surrounding area. “I’m very proud of the fact that the state is now making historic investments.”
The program had a major champion in Delegate Wayne Hartman. He dedicated a significant amount of time to engaging with his constituents to secure state budget funds for Diakonia. To WMDT, he stated, “How can you not get behind something that supports our veterans, and especially those that are homeless and most needy?”
Worcester County Commissioner Diana Purnell was at the event, as she prepared for her campaign in the county elections. She says Diakonia has been a vital part of the county for several years.
“It’s important that we have on-hand places where our homeless can go, and they don’t have to worry about being harassed. Diakonia has been with us for a very long time.”
Delegate Hartman hopes that the Governor’s visit will open the doors up for Diakonia in future funding during the 2026 Legislative Session.
“Having him have seen it, understand the affects they are making, talking with veterans that are here, and others who are getting benefits from Diakonia, it makes it so much easier when we go back to Annapolis and ask for money in the future.”
